COMPARISON BETWEEN CAMBODIAN AND KOREAN BELIEFS IN PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

Abstract

This research is focused on the nature of woman who is the one that gets pregnant and delivers a baby. It examines the understanding of the cultural beliefs of Cambodian and Korean people regarding the concepts of giving birth, which include the processes before giving birth, during giving birth, and after giving birth. These concepts are also linked to many cultural ceremonies. Cambodian and Korean people always celebrate for the childbirth from one generation to the next and we can also see the relationship between both cultures in terms of celebrating ceremonies, including how those cultures are related. This research study the books and materials concerning the process of Korean and Cambodian traditional cultural beliefs in pregnancy and childbirth in the period of time in the past up until 2012. This research will explore the similarities and differences between two countries. It could be seen that Cambodian compare women who are in the process of giving birth as a crossing the sea because they consider that during giving birth, it can be compared as taking a sea trip which could encounter dangerous situations such as rain, storm, and big wave. For Korean women, during the process of giving birth which is considered as a very hard and dangerous step, they have to be well-nourished and follow a lot of traditional cultural advises from the mother-in law or old people. Lastly, it could be said that there are many traditions for mother such as nourishment during pregnancy, welcome ceremonies for the child. However, all the well traditional nourishments for mother in both countries are practically helpful for women to safely succeed in giving birth and also helping both the mother and the baby healthy.